Journal of general internal medicine
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Barriers and facilitators to routine HIV testing in VA primary care.
Approximately 21% of the 1.1 million HIV-infected persons in the United States are unaware of their HIV status. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend routine opt-out HIV testing for all patients aged 13-64. Yet little is known about patient and provider perspectives on routine HIV testing. ⋯ Patients and providers appear ready for implementation of routine HIV testing. However, providers should use patient-centered communication strategies to ease patients' concerns about confidentiality and stigma associated with HIV disease.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
The association of stigma with self-reported access to medical care and antiretroviral therapy adherence in persons living with HIV/AIDS.
The stigma of HIV-infection may profoundly affect the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). However few studies have examined the association of HIV stigma with multiple components of HIV treatment and care. ⋯ The association of stigma with self-reported access to care and adherence suggests that efforts to improve these components of HIV care will require a better understanding of the possible effects of stigma and its mediators.